Comparative Study of the Proportions, Form, and Efficiency of Concrete Arch Bridges
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 19, Issue 3
Abstract
This article presents a comparative study of 55 concrete arch bridges built over the last century. For each bridge considered in the study, section properties and geometrical ratios were determined and compiled into a database. These data were used to identify empirical trends related to important attributes such as proportions, stiffness, slenderness, and efficiency. These trends were then expressed as functions of span length. The database and empirical trends together provide a unique and comprehensive quantitative characterization of the state of the art of concrete arch bridges. By situating new design concepts within the trends compiled by this study, designers of arch bridges can gain insight into the implications of specific design decisions with regard to structural behavior and efficiency and will have a quick and reliable means of estimating the nature and extent of the effort required for validation.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for the financial support provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 19 • Issue 3 • March 2014
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 9, 2012
Accepted: Jul 16, 2013
Published online: Jul 18, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
Discussion open until: May 9, 2014
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